Chlamydia Screening in Pregnancy
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and many people who have it notice no symptoms at all. In pregnancy it matters because, left untreated, it can occasionally lead to complications for you and your baby. The good news is that it is simple to test for and very treatable, including during pregnancy. This page explains who is offered screening, how the test works, and what happens if it is positive.
Who is offered chlamydia screening
Screening is straightforward and is often discussed at your booking appointment with your midwife. In England, routine chlamydia screening is mainly aimed at younger people: testing is generally recommended for sexually active people under 25, and is repeated if you have a new or more than one sexual partner. If you are pregnant and fall into this group, your midwife may offer a test as part of your early antenatal care.
If screening is not offered to you routinely, you can still ask for a test — through your midwife, GP, or a local sexual health (GUM) clinic. It is always reasonable to request testing if you are worried, if you have a new partner, or if a partner has been diagnosed. Sexual health services are free and confidential.
The test itself is quick and not painful. For people with a vagina it is usually a self-taken swab, or sometimes a urine sample. You do not need an internal examination for a routine chlamydia test.
Why it matters in pregnancy
Most chlamydia infections cause no symptoms, which is exactly why testing is useful — you cannot rely on feeling unwell to know you have it. If it is found and treated, the infection clears and the risks fall.
Untreated chlamydia in pregnancy has been linked to complications such as the waters breaking early or premature birth. There is also a chance of passing the infection to your baby during a vaginal birth, which can cause eye infections (conjunctivitis) or a chest infection in the newborn. Treating the infection during pregnancy greatly reduces these risks, which is why screening and prompt treatment are worthwhile.
What happens if the test is positive
If your test is positive, try not to panic — chlamydia is common and easily treated. You will be prescribed an antibiotic that is suitable to take in pregnancy (the usual first-choice antibiotic used outside pregnancy is generally avoided, so your clinician will choose a pregnancy-safe option). It is important to take the full course exactly as directed.
Your recent sexual partner or partners will also need testing and treatment, even if they have no symptoms, to stop the infection being passed back to you. Avoid sex until both you and your partner have completed treatment and been given the all-clear. You may be offered a repeat test later in pregnancy to confirm the infection has cleared.
When to seek advice
See your midwife, GP or a sexual health clinic if you have any symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, pain when passing urine, bleeding between periods or after sex (before pregnancy), or lower tummy pain. In pregnancy, contact your maternity team promptly about any new vaginal bleeding, fluid that could be your waters breaking, or significant tummy pain rather than waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chlamydia screening routine in pregnancy?
It is routinely offered to sexually active people under 25, and is often raised at your booking appointment. If it is not offered to you and you would like a test, you can ask your midwife, GP, or a sexual health clinic — testing is free and confidential.
Can chlamydia be treated safely in pregnancy?
Yes. It is treated with a course of antibiotics chosen to be safe in pregnancy. Take the full course as prescribed, make sure your partner is treated too, and avoid sex until you have both finished treatment and been told it has cleared.
Is the test uncomfortable?
No. It is usually a simple self-taken swab or a urine sample, and it does not require an internal examination.
If you have any concerns about STIs or screening, speak to your midwife, GP or local sexual health clinic for advice specific to you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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